Tag: how to protect your dog around an aggressive dog

*Don’t turn and run or attempt to sprint away. This will trigger their predatory instinct to pursue you further and potentially trigger them to even bite you or your dog.

*Depending on the breed of the stray dog you encounter, simply picking up and carrying your dog will diffuse the situation. If the dog continues to bark and move toward you, face them with a dominant/assertive non verbal stance as you walk backwards and slowly away. But do not attempt aggression with them unless they are actually biting you or your dog and you have to physically remove them. Then all bets are off.

*Carry a cane, walking stick, trekking pole or another object you can point at them or swing as a weapon if you need to. I’ve found often that by simply pointing a trekking pole at a dog or tapping the ground while talking the dog down with a firm yet non-anxious tone can disarm an angry dog or buy you enough time and space to make your escape.

*Some dog breeds may not respond to you picking up your dog and walking away. Be very wary of pitt bulls, doberman pinschers, huskies, rottweilers and hounds.

*If you are overwhelmed worst case scenario, it may be best for you to try to find higher ground for yourself or your dog, to include throwing your dog on top of a car or in the back of a truck, or on a table. Be prepared to fight for you and your dog’s survival if need be, as this may be your only hope until someone can assist you or you show the attacking dog that it’s not worth it to pursue.

*Keep your eyes wide open and check your six regularly. This means a quick glance behind you every few minutes or after you pass an intersection or business/house with an open gate. This also means that you look for dogs 100 yards ahead and see if there are any walking around or sitting nearby buildings. I like to cross the street and avoid them if that’s the case, as traffic is a natural deterrent from dogs running across the road.